Rockefeller Institute Maps National Kratom Legislative Landscape: Bans, Scheduling, and Consumer Protection Acts Compete in 2026 Sessions

Why it matters

Policymakers across the U.S. are navigating radically different approaches to kratom — from full prohibition to consumer protection acts. This authoritative analysis from the Rockefeller Institute of Government provides the clearest map of where each state stands heading into 2026.

The big picture

Nearly every U.S. state has introduced kratom legislation in the 2025-26 session. Without federal action, states have become the primary regulators — with responses ranging from criminal prohibition to structured, taxed commercial markets. Connecticut banned it outright in March 2026 while Rhode Island reversed a prior ban in favor of regulation on April 1.

Key findings

• Almost every U.S. state introduced kratom-related legislation in the 2025-26 session
• Three regulatory approaches dominate: outright bans, Schedule I classification, and Kratom Consumer Protection Acts (KCPA)
• Connecticut banned kratom as Schedule I in March 2026; Rhode Island reversed its ban and shifted to regulated sales
• Kansas passed a 7-OH Schedule I bill; Utah replaced its 2019 KCPA with stricter regulations
• Florida's temporary 7-OH ban is set to expire June 30, 2026, with no replacement legislation passed before session ended

What they say

"With current federal inactivity on the issue of kratom regulation, the states have become the primary policymakers, and for those states looking to act on kratom, three primary policy preferences have emerged: ban, schedule as a controlled substance, or create a commercial market with limitations and regulations." — Heather Trela, Director of Operations and Fellow, Rockefeller Institute of Government

Bottom line

The absence of federal kratom regulation has created a fractured national patchwork — with state policies ranging from outright criminalization to taxed commercial markets that share nothing but the same plant.